Nissan city chic EV concept revealed

Nissan has unveiled the IMk, a concept city car that combines chic design, cutting-edge technologies and powerful EV acceleration in a compact body.

The all-electric car indicates Nissan’s new design direction.

It’s equipped with the latest ProPilot advanced driver assistance technologies and seamless connectivity features.

“As a small EV for a new era, the Nissan IMk is designed to be at home in sophisticated cityscapes as much as in traditional Japanese towns,” Nissan executive design director Satoru Tai says.

“The IMk fuses a modern, clean look, driven by its Japanese heritage, with cutting-edge EV technology.

“It’s a luxury small EV that I hope a lot of customers are going to drive.”

Japanese motifs add refinement and intrigue. Dipped in an Akagane paint scheme – reflecting a reddish copper colour – the concept pays homage to artisans who formed copper into functional works of art.

The Nissan IMk concept’s cabin is a new type of “room” similar to a cafe or lounge with a bench-style seat.

Other than the start button and shifter, the IMk’s thin dashboard is void of physical controls.

Important driving information, such as vehicle speed and navigation directions, appear in “midair” by way of a bezel-less prism display.

Customised information is communicated to the driver via holographic displays.

According to Tai, the concept’s interior design focuses on creating a high-tech yet relaxing experience.

“The IMk was never about being roomier than a traditional small car. It was about being an upscale, stylish partner that gives occupants a chic, elegant space to enjoy.”

In a step toward fully autonomous driving, it comes with the latest technologies to assist drivers in a wide range of environments.

The smartphone-enabled ProPilot Remote Park with valet parking feature can search for a parking space automatically once occupants are out of the car, and the tap of a button brings the car back.

Other details, such as battery size, range, and whether the car will be available in other markets haven’t been revealed.

The IMk will be among 14 Nissan models at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show from October 25 to November 4.

These include the Nissan Leaf e+, Serena e-Power, GT-R and the new Skyline equipped with the ProPilot 2.0 driver assistance system.